PARENTS - DO YOUR KIDS GET IT?
Proverbs 31:25
Water baptism is a big deal. Yet, it’s not the way to salvation. So, we want kids to understand, comprehend, and affirm three concepts about water baptism. If they’re able to do so and are excited to make a commitment, we want them to go for it! After all, water baptism is a symbol, a picture, of an internal reality.
If your child is asking you about water baptism, it’s probably a good indication that they are ready to be water baptized and that it will be a spiritual milestone in their life.
As you discern if your child is ready to be baptized, the following three questions will help you do so. The items provided are only a guideline of responses you are looking for, your kid will likely respond using different vocabulary.
If your child is asking you about water baptism, it’s probably a good indication that they are ready to be water baptized and that it will be a spiritual milestone in their life.
As you discern if your child is ready to be baptized, the following three questions will help you do so. The items provided are only a guideline of responses you are looking for, your kid will likely respond using different vocabulary.
Have you decided to follow Jesus forever?
- Honestly, here you’re looking for a simple yes.
- Salvation isn’t a one-and-done type thing, after all, we decide to follow Jesus, then we continue deciding to follow Jesus each and every day as we continually move one step closer to Him.
What is water baptism?
- Baptism shows everyone that I made a decision on the inside to follow Jesus (Acts 8:12).
- Baptism is a picture that shows Jesus is my best friend.
- Baptism means I’m a Christian and want to show everyone that I follow Jesus.
Why are Christians baptized in water?
- Jesus was baptized in water (Matt 3:16-17).
- Jesus tells us to be baptized to show we follow Him (Matt 28:18-20).
- I want to follow Jesus and His ways.
WATER BAPTISM READINGS
Whether you decide your child is ready to be baptized, or determine they may need to wait a little longer, these readings are designed for them to understand more of the importance of water baptism. Read through these with your kids to spur them on in their growth of understanding in Jesus.
Obeying Jesus' Commandment
So you must go and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And you can be sure that I am always with you, to the very end. - Matt 28:19-20 NIRV
Being baptized in water is one of the first steps you take in following Jesus. A friend of Jesus both learns about Him and does the things He did. The number one reason you should get baptized in water is because Jesus did and He affirmed this practice.
When you became a friend of Jesus, you were brought into God’s kingdom under Jesus’ leadership. That means you have decided to do what Jesus says and follow His example. Jesus was water baptized, so we should consider doing that same thing too.
Take time right now to read about Jesus’ baptism in your own Bible in Matthew 3:13-17.
An Outward Picture
When you were baptized, you were buried together with him. You were raised to life together with him by believing in God’s power. God raised Jesus from the dead. - Colossians 2:12 NIRV
Water baptism is an outward picture of what Jesus has done for you on the inside. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and then was raised from the dead! When you began trusting Jesus to be your forever friend, your Savior, there was a death, a burial, and a resurrection (that means a raising back to life) that happened in you as you made that commitment to Him (see 1 Cor. 12:13).
That’s why you go all the way under the water when you are baptized. You are showing people that your old spirit and all your past sins (the mistakes, the bad things you did) are buried with Jesus. When you come up out of the water, you are saying that Jesus has given you new life. Everyone sees the picture of the change that has taken place in your heart.
A Decision of Faith
A Life of Faithfulness
By being baptized, we were buried with Christ [Jesus] into his death. Christ has been raised from the dead by the Father’s glory. And like Christ we can also live a new life. - Romans 6:4 NIRV
Suppose we claim we are without sin. Then we are fooling ourselves. The truth is not in us. But God is faithful and fair. If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins. He will forgive every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar. His word is not in us. My dear children, I’m writing this to you so that you will not sin. But suppose someone does sin. Then we have a friend who speaks to the Father for us. He is Jesus Christ, the Blameless One. He gave his life to pay for our sins. But he not only paid for our sins. He also paid for the sins of the whole world. - 1 John 1:8-2:2
So, what happens after we are baptized in water? Will we still mess up and sin after accepting Jesus and being baptized? Most likely; probably, yes. However, God loves us so much that we can still ask for forgiveness for those sins. We do need to do our very best, every single day, to live like Jesus after accepting him and being baptized in water. But, following Jesus isn't about our perfection, it is about the position of our heart in trusting Him.
Jesus wants to be three things in our lives: our Savior, King, and friend. After we trust in Jesus to give us eternal life, we make Him our King by obeying Him and following Him. Also, Jesus is our friend as we pray to Him and learn about Him. Jesus is a good friend, a powerful King, and the living Savior.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Parents, please make sure of the following:
- RSVP/Confirm your child for water baptism so we can order a tee shirt for them ahead of time.
- Dress them in a navy blue or black tee shirt (preferably, the water baptism shirt "raised to life" that we will provide) and with navy blue or black shorts or swim trunks.
- Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and a bag for wet clothes.
- Arrive by 9a so we can walk through what will happen with you and your child being water baptized.
KIDS READ THESE!
What is the big deal with water baptism?
Water baptism is like a special occasion. Like a wedding, or graduation, or sports championship. This is extra special though because it celebrates your decision to make Jesus your Leader and Savior, your best friend.
Why do I need to take a bath?
Water baptism seems like a big bath! But, it’s more than that. See, water is used to clean things, like your body when it’s covered in dirt. Well, when we do bad things, or when we are mean to our friends, or when we disobey our parents, our insides get all dirty (we usually call it ‘sin’)! Jesus washes our insides, washes our sin away, the same way that water washes our skin. Jesus, not baptism, forgives us and makes us clean.
Why am I dunked under the water?
A life following Jesus isn’t half in--half out, it’s all in! Going under the water is a symbol that shows we share in the new life that Jesus gives. Jesus died and went under for three days. He was raised to life and lives forever. So we go all the way under and rise out of the water, showing that we share in Jesus’ life.
Should I keep this surprise party a secret?
What will I feel when I'm baptized in water?
Have you ever had great news, exciting news, but it was a secret? Maybe it was a surprise birthday party, but if you told anyone, it would ruin the surprise! If you’ve ever been so excited to tell someone something, but you had to wait, it probably felt like you were ready to explode!
When you decide to follow Jesus, it’s great news! It’s so awesome that angels in the heavens celebrate and everyone around you should hear about it (Luke 15:10). Water baptism is a way to tell everyone about the great decision you made! It’s clear you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and it’s something worth celebrating!
When you decide to follow Jesus, it’s great news! It’s so awesome that angels in the heavens celebrate and everyone around you should hear about it (Luke 15:10). Water baptism is a way to tell everyone about the great decision you made! It’s clear you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and it’s something worth celebrating!
Maybe you’ll feel different inside. Maybe you won’t. Maybe you’ll want to smile and shout! Or maybe you’ll feel quiet and want to cry - because you’re so happy. Or, you might feel just the same - and that’s ok too!
See, once you’ve asked Jesus in your heart, He’s there. Whether God feels far away or right next to you, He’s close. He’s with you always.
See, once you’ve asked Jesus in your heart, He’s there. Whether God feels far away or right next to you, He’s close. He’s with you always.